From the towering Andes to the dense Amazonian rain forest. Prepare to Photography inspiring numbers of butterfly species also many species of hummingbirds as well as other bird species and many more varieties of flora and fauna.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Quito Lodge, Quito Ecuador
According to your flight schedule, we will pick you up at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport near Quito and head for the ecolodge in greater Quito. We will arrive at the lodge in 25 minutes. Although the ecolodge is only a short drive from the airport, the grounds and gardens around the lodge host an abundance of birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies, making the lodge feel like a world apart. Enjoy!
Overnight in Quito ecolodge.
Days 2-5
Butterfly Photo Tour at Macas Southeast and East Amazon
This morning will enjoy seeing birds and butterflies at the Quito ecolodge. After lunch, we prepare to depart for Macas in the Southeast Amazon region. Macas, the capital of the Morona-Santiago province, has played an important role in the area’s economic development and in the commercial sector. It has a substantial population of more than 30,000 people and tourism has increased since the 1998 treaty between Macas and Peru. And yet, with all of this development and advances, the area is still very well protected by the local Shuar and Achuar peoples. Rising above this intriguing city is the huge snow-covered Sangay volcano with a height of 17,000 feet. The seventh largest volcano in Ecuador, Sangay is probably one of the most active volcanoes in the world. From the nearby cinnamon
plants to the lush valleys, the sparkling streams and the wonderful life of the birds, it makes a very attractive place for fine butterfly sightings here in Macas. We will spend the next 4 days in Macas and enjoy it to the fullest.
Overnight in Descanso de la Amazonia Lodge.
Days 6-9
Butterfly Photo Tour at Tena and Shandia Ecolodge
Having begun our journey with successful days in Macas, we are now in Tena where we will have breakfast and start our treks, heading toward several excellent places for butterfly photography around Shandia Lodge in Tena. The city is located just on the edge of the Amazon basin and is known for a wide variety of species of animals, butterflies, birds, and hummingbirds of various families. The forest trails, as well as the walks along the roads, small streams and river banks give us the opportunity to observe and photograph many butterfly species of all sizes and colors. Tena is the
“capital of butterflies.” Here we will spend another 4 nights before continuing to our next thrilling destination. Overnight in Shandia Ecolodge.
Days 10-14
Butterfly Photo Tour at Anaconda Lodge
At Anaconda Lodge Ecuador, you will experience exciting and authentic adventures in the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle, while helping to advance our shared goals of the conservation of both the local culture and the environment. Anaconda ecolodge is located on a magical island between the Napo and Arajuno rivers. The lodge is surrounded by primary and secondary jungle, which is inhabited by the Kichwa and the Napo Runa indigenous peoples. They will be our neighbors and guides during our excursions.
Our trip ends here, but not before enjoying a great number of butterfly species ready to be photographed. Adding to this adventure of discovery, you will enjoy the authenticity, passion, hospitality, and warmth of the the ecolodge owners and staff.
Overnight in Anaconda Ecolodge.
On our final day, we will drive back to Quito airport in time for your international night flight.
End of Itinerary
Trip Information
Starting city: Quito
Ending city: Quito
Physical difficulty: Moderate
Focus: Butterfly Photography
Group size: Groups will be limited to 8 participants maximum.
-Specialized English-speaking butterfly photography guide
-Private transportation
-Accommodations
-3 meals per day
-All excursions and entrance fees to the reserves
-Tips
-Alcoholic beverages
-Any other item not specified
Experienced Bird and Butterfly Guide: All of our guides have over 20 years of experience as butterfly and birdwatching, bird photo guides in Ecuador
Your butterfly guide’s equipment: Binoculars, laser pointer, field-guide of butterfly Ecuador and special liquid (food) for butterflies and camara.
All eco-lodges are located in the most important and biologically diverse areas for butterfly and bird watching in the country. They are built with local materials and offer Wi-Fi, hot water, standard double and single rooms, and panoramic views.